Stamp feeding and affixing device.



H. ISSELHORST & H. ANGERSTEIN.

STAMP FEEDING AND AFPIXING DEVICE. APPLICATION FILED APR. 26, 1909.

1 81,270. Patented Dec. 9, 1913.

11 SHEETS-SHEET l.-

H. ISSELHORST & H. ANGERSTEIN.

STAMP FEEDING AND AFFIXING DEVICE.

APPLIUATION FILED APR. 26, 1909.

Patented Dec. 9, 1913.

11 SHEETSSHEBT 2.

H. I SSELHORST & H. ANGBRSTEIN. STAMP FEEDING AND AFPIXING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 26, 1909.

Patented Dec. 9, 1913.

11 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

FULUMBL} PLANOGIMM! 120., WASHlNu'rcrfl, D. c.

H. ISSELHORST & H. ANGERSTEIN.

STAMP FEEDING AND A'FFIXING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 26, 1909.

l1 SEEBTS-SHEET 4.

COLUHIIA mum conwumm'ron. D. C.

H. ISSELHORST & H. ANGERSTEIN.

STAMP FEEDING AND AFFIXING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 26, 1909.

1,081 ,270. Patented Dec. 9, 1913.

11 SHEETS-"SHEET li- COLUMBIA PLANOGIIAPH co, wAsmNuTnN, n. c

H. ISSELHORST (Ya H. ANGERSTEIN. STAMP FEEDING AND AFFIXING DEVICE.

APPLIOATION FILED APR. 26, 1909.

1,081,270. Patented Dec.9,1913.

l1 SHBETB-SHEET 6.

' coLuMmA PLANOGRAPH CO.,WASHINOTON. u. c.

H. ISSELHORST & H. ANGERSTEIN.

STAMP FEEDING AND AFFIXING DEVICE. APPLICATION TILED APR. 26, 1909.

1,081,270. Patented Dec.9,1913.

l1 SHEETS-SHEET B.

COLUIIQA mace-Ara 60., WILIIHNOTON. B. 1:.

H. ISSELHORS T 6; H. ANGERSTEIN.

STAMP FEEDING AND AFFIXINGDEVIOE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 26, 1909.

Patentd Dec.9,1913.

11 SHEETS-SHEET 9.-

m. ML 1 COLUMBIA-A PLANOGRA'PH 00.. WASHINGTON. 0 c

H. ISSELHORST & H. ANGERSTEIN.

STAMP FEEDING AND APFIXING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 20, 1909.

1 ,081 ,270, Patented Dec. 9, 1913.

11 SHBETS-SHEET 10.

COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH co. WASHINGTON. D. c

H. ISSELHOBST & H. ANGERSTEIN.

STAMP FEEDING AND AFFIXING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APE. 26, 1909. Q

4 Patented Dec. 9, 1913.

11 8HEBTS-SHEET 11.

COLUMHM PLANOGRAPH co wAsmm-m'nm I v "UNTTED STATLE S PATENT OFFICE.

HEINRICH ISSEIiI-IOBST, OF BIELEFELD, AND HERMANN ANGERSTEIN, 0F BERLIN,

GERMANY.

STAMP FEEDING AND AFFIXING DEVICE.

To all whom/2'15 may concern."

.. Be it known that we, l-lninnion lssnnnons'r and Hermann ANenns'rmn,subjects of the Emperor of Germany, residing at Bielefeld, Germany, andBerlin, Germany, respectively, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Stamp Feeding and Ailixing Devices, of which thefollowing is a full, clear, and exact specification.

The present invention relates to stamp aiiixing mechanism for applyingpostage and other stamps to envelops, and the like, and has for itsprincipal object to provide an improved stamp-feeding mechanism for usein conjunction with the afliXing mechanism.

Another important object of this invention is to providea machine whichwill atlix stamps to letters made up during the day in a businessotiice, will record the num- 'ber of the stamps, and will collect theletters in a closed compartment or drawer from which they may be removedonly by an authorized person. The advantage derived from this feature ofthe invention is, that the various letters of a business oilice may bestamped as soon as made up during the day and deposited in a lockedcompartment where they will be protected from handling and will becollected together for mailing.

The invention comprises, broadly, a stamp-aliixing machine provided witha stripfeeding mechanism and a carrying mechanism for stamps differingin value, the mechanisms being adjustable relative to one another tobring the feedin mechanism and the carrying mechanism into registrationwith one another to feed the desired stamp, the invention specificallycomprising a frame having a stamp-aiiixing mechanism provided. with afixed stamp-strip guide and a device for feeding the strip into theguide. The frame also carries a knife adapted to sever the stamps fromthe strip, one at a time, and means for applying the severed. stamps toenvelops. or the like, registering the numb-er of the stamps used. Asafety drawer or compartment is associated with the atlixing mechanismto receive the envelops after the stamps have been aflixed thereto, theenrelops being supported upon a tilting table during th application ofthe stamps and being then dropped into the compartment by the tilting ofthe table.

Cooperating with this mechanism is a car- Speeification of LettersPatent.

Application filed April 26, 1909.

Patented Dec. 9, 1913.

Serial No. 492,417.

riage carrying a number of stamp-strip reels arranged detachably side byside in the carriage to support a number of stan111 -strips varying invalue. The carriage is slidably mounted on the frame to move laterallyand bring the desired stamp-strip reel into registry with the fixedguide so that a stamp of the desired value may be fed into the affixingmechanism. The carriage has also a way for each reel into which the freeend of the stamp-strip is inserted for directing the strip into theguide, the ways being open at their upper sides throughout aconsiderable length to admit of the engagement of the feeding deviceagainst the strip when the latter is in registration with the fixedguide. The main frame of the machine carries a fixed angle bar having alongitudinal slot in one arm and a series of notches eommu ni eatingwith the slot and corresponding in number to the stamp-strip reels. Thecarriage provided with an adjusting arm which is fixed thereto formoving the carriage laterally, the arm being provided with a pawladapted to engage in the notches of the angle bar and lock the carriagein position when adjusted.

Various other objects and advanta es of this invention will be pointedout in tne following specification diselosing one embodiment of heinvention.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a top plan view of the stamp-strip carriageand its adjacent parts; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same; Fig. 3is a detail view of the carriageadjusting arm; Fig. l isacross-sectional view of one of the stripnvays of the carriage; Fig. 5is a detail plan view of the carriage frame showing one of the reelsremoved; Fig. (3 is an end view of the same; Fig. 7 is a detail view ofthe removable shaft for supporting the reels; Fig. 8 is a detail view ofthe strip-:i'eeding device in locked or inoperative position; Fig. 9 isa similar view disclosing the pawl of the device in engagement with astump-strip immediately after moving the same forward; Fig. 10 is a viewof the same showing the pawl about to engage the stamp-strip; Fig. 11 isa simi lar view showing the pawl about. to be raised from the stampstripa fter feeding the same forward; Fig. 12 is a rear view showing the pawlin its raised position immediately after advancing the strip; Fig. 13 isa similar view showing the pawl retracted and partially raised; Fig. 14is a front elevation of the strip-feeding device; Fig. 15 is a sideelevation of the cutting mechanism; Fig. 16 is a side elevation of themoistening mechanism; Fig. 17 is a front elevation of the same; Fig. 18is a side elevation, partly in section, of the afiixing mechanismshowing the tilting table in raised position for receiving an envelop;Fig. 19 is a similar View showing the table raised against thepresser-plate to apply the stamp; Fig. 20 is a rear view showing thetable tilted to permit the envelop to slide therefrom; Fig. 21 is afront elevation of the tilting mechanism for the table; Figs. 22 and 23are side views of the presser-plate and its support; Fig. 24 is a sideelevation of the sliding door and its mechanism which controls theletter insert slot; Fig. 25 is a front elevation of the same the tiltingtable being removed; Fig. 26 is a top plan view of the envelopadjustingdevice for efiecting the application of additional stamps to theenvelop.

The improved machine is disclosed as being provided with an adjustablecarriage, the carriage comprising a frame 1 substantially rectangular inform and having the side bars thereof supported at an inclination uponbars 4 and 5 carried upon the main frame of the machine. The frame 1carries a transverse shaft 7 slidable through a suitable bearing in oneof the side bars of frame 1, the shaft 7 being pointed at its oppositeend to provide a conical bearing member adapted to seat in acorrespondingly formed bearing in the opposite side bar. The bearingmember is conical in form to prevent the passage of the shaft 7 throughthe opposite side bar. An annular groove 7 is formed adjacent to theinner end of the shaft 7 into which engages a hinged latch 7 carriedupon the side of the frame 1 and adapted to hold the shaft 7 fromdisplace ment. \Vithin the frame 1 and upon the shaft 7 are disposed aplurality of reels 6 independently mounted upon the shaft 7 and adaptedto be interchanged as desired. The reels 6 carry stamp-strips 2 whichare fed into the machine through a corresponding number of ways whichare mounted upon the upper end of the inclined frame 1, the ways 40lying in a horizontal plane. The ways are provided with upwardly openingsides throughout practically their entire length and springs 12 aremounted over the inner ends of the ways and extend down through the opensides thereof for engagement against the stamp-strips to hold the sametaut and prevent the warping of the same. The outer ends of the ways 40ar joined by upper and lower cross-strips 13 which close the upper sidesof the ways and hold the strips therein. The upper edge of the frame 1is recessed to provide a bearing shoulder for engagement with the bar 5to support the frame 1 and admit of its sliding longitudinally upon thebar. The lower end of the frame 1 is formed of a sleeve secured at itsends in the lower extremities of the side bars of the frame, the sleeveslidably engaging about the rounded bar 4 and admitting of thelongitudinal sliding of the frame upon the rod 4. A cross-brace 41 ofU-form is secured at its ends to the side.

bars of the frame and engages across the un der-side of the framebeneath the reels 6 so as to reinforce the frame and hold the side barsin parallelism. The frame 1 is provided with an upstanding bracket 42extending across the upper end of the frame and carrying a plurality ofregisters 43 corresponding to the number of stamp-strips and havingoperating arms 44 extending outwardly therefrom and adapted to operatethe same.

The main frame 45 of the machine carries an upstanding angle-bar 9, thelong arm of which engages inwardly over the carriage and is providedwith a longitudinal slot for the reception of an upstanding arm 8 fixedupon the carriage, the bar 9 having a series of notches corresponding tothe number of reels upon the carriage for the reception of aspring-pressed pawl 10 mounted upon the fixed arm 8 to lock the carriagewhen it is brought into the desired position.

The main frame of the machine is provided midway of its ends with abushing 46 through which is slidably disposed a plunger rod 47 carryinga suitable handle 31 upon its upper end the lower end of the rod 47projecting downwardly into the machine and bearing against the outer endof a looking pawl 48. The pawl 48 is hinged upon a depending lug 49 andis yieldingly pressed against the plunger 47 under the action of aspring 50 interposed between the frame 45 and the inner end of the pawl48. The inner end of the pawl 48 is provided with a depending detent 51engaging in a notch formed in the periphery of a disk 52 fixed upon themain operating shaft 24. Arrange-d immediately beneath the pawl 48 andthe disk 52 is the feeding device for the stamp strips. This devicecomprises a hinged arm 53 adapted to swing in a vertical plane having aforked lower extremity in which is pivoted a pawl 14 adapted to dropinto the open side of the way 40 which is brought into registration withthe feeding device and grip the stamp-strip to feed the same. F or thispurpose the pawl 14 is preferably provided with a number of dependingpins at its free end to engage in the perforations of the stamp-strip.The arm 53 is moved forwardly to push the pawl 14 therewith by a cam 16fixed to the shaft 24 which engages the roller 54 projecting laterallyfrom the arm 53. In Fig. 10 the cam 16 is disclosed in position about toengage the roller 54, the arm 53 being swung rearwardly into normalposition. In Fig. 11 it will be noted that the cam 16 is supporting theroller 54 and holding the arm 53 away from the shaft 24, the feedingpawl 14 being in its forward position. The pawl 14 is provided with oneor more overhanging fingers 55 which extend forwardly and engage over arod 56 carried upon a depending lug 57 The lug 57 is carried upon asleeve 58 having a rearwardly-projecting arm 59 located adjacent to thedisk 52. Projecting laterally from the disk 52 is a pin 60 moving in thepath of the arm 59 and adapted to strike the same at predeterminedintervals to swing the arm 59 down partially rotate the sleeve 58 andlift the rod 56. The upward movement of the rod 56 raises theoverhanging fingers 55 and lifts the forward end of the pawl 14 awayfrom the stamp strip 2. In this manner the pawl 14 is released from thestrip and held in such position until the arm is released by the cam 16and moved back into normal position by the spring 61. For the purpose ofholding the outer end of the pawl 14 up from the strip 2 when in normalposition a lug 62 is mounted upon the frame immediately below the diskand is fixed upon a rod 63 rotatably mounted in the frame and rocked byan arm 64, which extends forwardly from the same. The arm 64 isconnected by a link 65 to the inner end of the locking pawl 48, thedetent 51 of which moves over the periphery of the disk 52 and holds thearm 64 up to raise the lug 62 from the pawl 14. The lug 62 bears againstthe rear end of the pawl 14 and holds the forward end thereof from thestrip 2 until the plunger 47 rocks the pawl 48 and raises the detent 51from the notch in the disk. It will be observed that the disk 52 isgiven a slight cam-shape so as to raise the detent 51 into its highestposition as the arm 53 returns the pawl 14 to its normal backwardposition.

The shaft 24 is provided with a path cam 53 receiving a roller 66carried upon the free end of a cutter arm 67 suitably hinged upon theshaft 68 in the frame 45. The forward end of the cutter arm 67 carries acutting knife 25 yieldingly held against a support ing block 69 bysprings 70 adjustably held against the cutter-blade 25 by set screws 71.The shaft 68 is further provided with a presser-plate arm 72 which isarched upwardly and extends at its outer end down in front of thecutter-blade 25, the arm 72 hingedly carrying upon its lower forward enda presser-plate 7 3. A leaf-spring 74 is mounted upon the forwardportion of the presser-plate 73 and bears against the end of the arm 72to hold the presser-plate at a downwardly inclined angle at its forwardend. Thus when the presser-plate arm 72 is moved down against theenvelop while affixing the stamp, the presser-plate 73 assumes anangular position corresponding to the upper face or side of the envelopor packet and automatically adjusts itself to the unevenness of theupper face of the packet to fit snugly thereagainst and effect theproper application of the stamp to the envelop. Movement is imparted tothe presser-plate arm 72 by a second path cam 7 2 mounted upon the shaftand receiving a roller 72 carried in the rear end of the arm 7 2 beyondthe shaft 68. The block 69 also serves the purpose of clamping thestamp-strip 2 from movement during the action of the cutter 25. Theblock 69 is mounted for sliding vertical movement upon a post 69 carriedin the frame 45 and is normally urged downward by a helical spring 69arranged about the post 69 and adjustably held against the top of theblock 69 by a set collar 69. The shaft 68 is provided with an arm 69forked at its outer end and engaging about a stud or pin 69 carried uponthe block 69. A roller 69 is mounted upon the inner end of the arm 69and engages the periphery of a cam 17 carried upon the shaft 24. The cam17 is of such peculiar form and is so mounted in the machine as to holdthe block 69 up from the strip 2 during the feeding action, and torelease the block 69 for engagement with the strip 2 during themoistening and applying operations.

Forwardly of the cutting mechanism and slightly below the same isjournaled a transverse shaft 34 in the frame 45 which is geared to themain shaft 24. The shaft 34 is provided with a cam 19, against theperiphery of which contacts a roller 75 disposed upon the extremity ofan arm 76 depending from a sleeve 77 rotatably mounted upon a stub shaft78 arranged slightly forward of the shaft 34. The sleeve 77 carries anangle-arm 7 9 carrying a roller in its extremity bearing against therun-way S0 disposed upon the under-side of a tilting table 27 arrangedfor operation immediately beneath the presser-plate 73. The table 27 isfixed upon the oscillating rod 81 disposed in the frame 45 at theforward end thereof, the table 27 being of considerable size to supportenvelope and the like of various dimensions. The presser-plate 73 is ofa size suliicient only to cover the stamp severed from the stampstrip 2.The presser-plate 73 is arranged over the tilting table 27 at the pointof application of the stamp to the envelop disposed upon the table. Thecam 19 is of such peculiar form that it swings the arm 7 6 at apredetermined period of time in the operation of the machine to raisethe table 27 into the angle disclosed in Fig. 18 to receive the envelop,and to press the envelop 28 upwardly against the presser-plate 73 as isdisclosed in Fig. 19. Further operation of the cam lowers the free endof the table 27 into the position disclosed in Fig. 20, whereupon theenvelop 28 slides from the table down into the bottom of the frame.

The frame 45 is provided with a moistening means for the stamps duringthe cutting of the same from the strip 2 prepara tory to theirengagement with the envelop. This mechanism comprises a cam 18 disposedupon the shaft 24 and bearing at its periphery against a roller 82carried at an intermediate point upon a rocking arm 83. The arm 83 ishingedly connected at its free end to a substantially horizontallymovable bar 84 provided near its outer end with an upwardly archedportion providing inclined opposite inner faces. The outer or free endof the bar 84 is supported upon a roller 87 which engages against theinclined opposite faces and swings the outer end of the bar verticallyas the same is reciprocated by the arm 83, since the roller 87 bearsagainst the opposite inclined faces. The roller 87 is mounted in asupport 87 depending from the upper portion of the frame 45 the support87 as shown in Fig. 17 of the drawings being vertically slotted for thereception of the bar 84 and to admit of its vertical movement. The outerend of the arm 84 extends down below the horizontal plane of the arm andcarries t-hereat a moistener S6 preferably in the form of an absorbentpad adapted to be moved back and forth and vertically by the arm 84.This moistening mechanism is so located in the machine that themoistener S6 is moved by the arm 84 into contact against the undersideof the presser-plate 73 and is drawn up against the underside of thesame by the backward movement of the arm 83 which draws the inclinedinner face of the arched portion 26 agains the outer side of the roller87. The moistener 86 is thus adapted to engage the underside of thestamp prior to the pressing of the plate 73 against the envelop.

The frame 45 is provided at its forward end with a vertically movableslide 90 clos ing an opening in the frame through which letters andpackets are inserted when they are to be stamped. This machine isprovided with an improved mechanism for antomatically closing this slidewhen the table 27 is tilted so that a letter can only be inserted forstamping when the table 27 is in proper position to receive the letter.This improved mechanism comprises an angle arm 91 extending inwardlyfrom a sleeve 7 7 and provided with a lateral projection or engagement92 at its outer end adapted to bear against the lip 93 turned inwardlyfrom the lower edge of the slide 90. As the machine begins its operationafter a letter has been inserted, the cam 20 engaging the roller 91 ofthe arm 91 raises the outer end of the arm 91 and brings the projection92 against the lip 93, and upon further movement raises the slide 90 toclose the opening through the frame. It is designed to provide a draweror other suitable inclosure in the lower end of the frame of the machineand to lock the same so that access can be had thereto only byauthorized persons.

In Fig. 26 is disclosed the top plan view of a portion of the tiltingtable 27 upon which the end of an envelop 28 is supported. The dottedlines indicate the position of the envelop when the stamp is aflixedthereto, while the solid lines show the position of the envelop when anadditional stamp is applied to the same. The table 27 is provided with agage plate 32 against which the edge of the envelop rests to registerthe corner of the same immediately beneath the presser plate 7 3. Thegage plate 32 has a longitudinal central slot through which projects aguiding pin 94 admitting of the lateral adjustment of the plate upon thetable. An adjusting rod 95 is connected to the outer end of the gageplate 32 and passes slidably through suitable straps 96 upon the tiltingtable and projects outwardly beyond the edge of the table and upon whichis mounted a suitable handle 97. A notch 98 is formed in the rod 95 forengagement with a locking tooth 99 carried upon the table 27, so as tohold the gage plate 32 inadjusted position.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that when it is desiredto apply a stamp to an envelop, the envelop is inserted through aforward opening in the frame 45 and placed upon the tilting table 27.The operator now depresses the plunger 47 to raise the detent 51 fromthe notch in the disk 52 and at the same time rotates the shaft 24through the medium of the crank arm 100. Prior to the introduction ofthe envelop into the machine the carriage carrying the stamp-strips isadjusted laterally upon the bars 4 and 5 by the arm 8 to bring thedesired stamp-strip into registration with the pawl 14. As the shaft 24rotates, the detent 51 raises the link and rocks the arm 64 to raise thelug 62 from the rear end of the pawl 14. This operation admits of thedropping of the pawl 14 down through the open side of the registeringway 40 and the pins upon the pawl engage in the perforations of thestrip 2. Simultaneous with this engagement of the pawl 14, orimmediately thereafter the cam 16 engages the roller 54 and moves thearm 58 forwardly, pushing the pawl 1-1 and feeding the strip 2 from itsreel 6 toward the cutting and aiiixing devices. As soon as the arm 53reaches the end of its forward movement the pin 60 strikes the arm 59and raises the lug 57 with the rod 56. The rod 56 swings the forward endof the pawl 14 upwardly to release the stampstrip 2 through the mediumof the lingers 55. The shaft 2 1 rotates the cam 20 and swings thelongend of the arm 91 upwardly to engage the lip 93 and close the slide90, and holds the slide in such closed position until the complete cycleof operations of the mechanism is completed and the machine is incondition to receive the next envelop or packet. The stamp-strip 2 isforced agains the inclined presser-plate 73 and the end stamp of thestrip rests immediately thereagainst. As soon asthe pawl 14L is releasedfrom the strip 2 the cam 18 throws the arm 83 forwardly to swing the barSeaway from the moistening pad 89 and, by engagement with the roller 85,the bar Set holds the moistener 86 upwardly against the stamp locatedimmediately beneati the presser-plate 73. The cam 18 now releases thearm 83 and the bar 841, and thereby returns the moistener 86 into itsnormal position. The cam 19, at this period of the operation of themachine swings the arm 76 to raise the table 27 into the positiondisclosed in Fig. 18, or at a slight inclination beneath thepresser-plate 73. As the moistener 86 is withdrawn from thepresser-plate, the cam 19 swings the table 27 up againstthe presserplate and the presser plate 73 itself is moved slightly downward by theaction of the cam so as to apply the stamp to the envelop 28 which iscarried upon the table. While the stamp is held between the presserplate 73 and the envelops on the table 27, the cam 58 rocks the arm 67and brings the cutter blade 25 down to sever the stamp from the strip.As the cam 58 continues in its movement the arm 67 is actuated to raisethe cutter 25 from the strip, and the cam '72 moves the arm 72 to raisethe presser plate 73 from the stamp strip. A further movement of the cam19 releases the arm 76 and admits of the dropping of the table 27 intoits lowermost position, as is disclosed in Fi 20, whereupon the envelop28 slides from the tilting table into the lower portion of the machine.

We claim- 1. ln a stamp-feeding and aiiixing device, the combinationwith stamp-ailixing means, of a series of stamp reels arranged side byside in a row, means for effecting a relatively lateral adjustmentbetween said stamp-aflixing means and said stamp reels to bring any reelof the series in line with the stamp-affixing means, and locking meansfor the stamp-aiiixing means and the row of stamp reels adapted tointerlock the reels to the affixing means when the same are adjusted.

2. In a machine oi the characte described, a stamp-allixing mechanism, astamp-feeding mechanism, a laterally adjustable carriage movablerelative to said stamp-feeding mechanism, and a series of sta1n ')-stripcarrying reels arranged side by side in a row on the carriage and beingadapted to be brought one at a time into line with said stamp-feedingmechanism.

3. ln a stamp-feeding and affixing machine, a stamphtlixing mechanism, astamp feeding mechanism, a manually adjustable carriage associated withthe feeding mechanism, a plurality of stamp strip reels carried upon thecarriage and adapted to be brought one at a time into register with saidstamp-feeding mechanism. and means for locking said carriage to saidfeeding mechanism when adjusted whereby to prevent movement of thecarriage during the operation of the feeding mechanism.

t. In a stamp-feeding and atlixing machine, a stamp-athxing mechanism, astampfeeding mechanism associated with the aiiixing mechanism. alaterally adjustable carriage a plurality of stamp strip reels arrangedside by side in a row on the carriage, a plurality of ways one for eachstamp strip reel mountedv on the carriage, and means for laterallymoving the carriage whereby to bring; any one of said ways into registerwith the feeding mechanis 5. ln a stamp-feeding and atlixing device, astamp-atlixing mechanism. a stamp-feeding mechanism stationary relativeto the ai'lixing mechanism. a laterally movable carriage associated withthe feeding mechanism, a series of stamp strip reels arranged in a rowupon said carriage, a corresponding series of ways extending from thereels and mount-- ed on said carriage, and means for effecting a lateralmovement of the carriage to bring any one of said ways into registerwith said feeding mechanism.

6. In a stamp-feeding and affixing device, and in combination, astamp-feedingmechanism. a carriage movable laterally beneath the feedingmechanism, independent reels disposed in the carriage and adapted tocarry stamp-strips differing in value, a stamp-atlixing' mechanism aplurality of ways mounted on the carriage and leading to thestamp-affixingg mechanism and receiving the free ends of thestamp-strips, said ways having open upper sides to receive the feedingmechanism, and tension devices associated with the ways for engagementwith the stamp-strips to yieldingly hold the same in the ways.

7. in a stamp-feeding and atlixing device, and in combination, astamp-affixing mechadisposed upon the carriage receiving the ends of thestamp-strips, the ways being open at their upper sides for the receptionof the feeding mechanism when brought into registration therewith, meansfor moving the carriage to the desired adjustment, and locking means forthe carriage to secure the same in position when adjusted.

8. In a stampafiixing and feeding machine, and in combination, astamp-aflixing mechanism, a stamp-feeding mechanism associated with theaffixing mechanism, and means for supplying stamps to the feedingmechanism, said means comprising an adjustable carriage adapted tosupport a number of stamp-strips differing in value, the carriage havingways carrying the ends of the strips adapted to be brought singly intoregistration with the feeding mechanism.

' 9. In a machine of the character described, an affixing mechanism, afeeding mechanism associated with the afixing mechanism, astamp-supplying mechanism cooperating with the feeding mechanism, saidsupplying mechanism including an adjustable carriage adapted to supporta number of stampstrips differing in value, ways arranged upon thecarriage to receive the free ends of the strlps, and locking means forthe carriage to hold the same in position when ad usted with respect tothe feeding mechanism.

10. A stamp-feeding and aiiixing device having in combinatlon astamp-afiixing -mechanism, a stamp-supply device, and a stamp-feedingmechanism arranged between thesupply device and the affixing mechanism,said feeding mechanism including a longitudinally movable pawl forengagement with the stamps, and means for raising the pawl outofengagement with the stamps at V the opposite ends of the stroke of thesame.

12. In a stamp-feeding and ailixing device and in combination, anaffixing mechanism,

a supply device, and means for feeding the stamps from said supplydevlce to said afiixing mechanism, said means including a swinglng arm,a pawl pivoted upon the end of the arm and adapted for engagement withthe stamps to move the same forwardly, lifting means for the pawl whenin its forward position, and other'lifting means for the pawl to holdthe same'normally above the stamps when retracted.

13. In a stamp-feeding and afiiXing device,

and in combination, a stamp-affixing mechanism, a stamp-supply device,and means for feeding the stamps from said supply device to saidaflixing mechanism, said means including a swinging arm, a pawl hingedupon the lower end of said arm and adapted for engagement with thestamps from said supply device, a lifting rod arranged forwardly of saidpawl tolift the latter from the stamps at the end of its forward stroke,and a lug rearwardly of said arm for engagement with the pawl at the endof its rearward stroke to hold the same normally up from the stamps.

14,-. A stamp-feeding and aiiixing device comprising a stamp-aiiixingmechanism, a stamp-feeding mechanism, a stamp-supply device adapted tocarry a plurality of stamps differing in value, means for moving saidstamp-supply device relative to said stamp-feeding mechanism whereby thedesired stamps are brought into line with the st amp-feeding mechanism,a presser-plate for the reception of the stamps from the feedingmechanism, a moistener movable against the stamps disposed against thepresserplate, and a stamp-severing mechanism arranged immediately behindthe presser-plate adapted to sever the stamp subsequent to themoistening of the same.

15. A stampfeeding and aflixing device, a stamp-feeding mechanism, asupply device associated with the feeding mechanism, a presser-plateadapted to receive the stamp from the'feeding mechanism, a tilting tableoperable beneath the presser-plate and adapted to receive an envelop tobe stamped thereon, a moistening device for engagement with the stampsbeneath the presser-plate, means for moving said tilting table upagainst the stamps and the presserplate, and a cutting mechanismoperable upon the stamps subsequent to the upward movement of thetilting table.

16. In a device'of the character stated, a movable frame, rollerstherein for carrying the strips of stamps of different values, a.removable shaft, and means whereby said rollers are madeinterchangeable, means for adjusting said rollers according to thevalued strip to be fed, and slideways for guiding said stamps to thesticking mechanism.

17. In a device of the characterstated, a frame slidingly mounted onsuitable supports, rolls carried by said frame and adapted for stampstrips ofdifferent-values, a reprovided With a spring actuated pawl, and

movable shaft permitting of exchanging the In testimony whereof We aflixour signa rolls, a vertically dlsposed lever on one side tures. of theframe by which the Whole frame W1th the rolls may be adjusted, saidlever being HEINRICH ISSELHORST' IIERMANN ANGERSTEIN. [L. s.]

an angle iron relatively fixed and having In the presence 01- notcheswith which said pawl is adapted to OSKAR Kt'mznnn,

engage. OTTO Kerrie.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, TD. 0.

